Former US President Barack Obama threw his weight behind Kamala Harris’ White House campaign on Friday, offering a significant endorsement as she aims to unseat Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.
“Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support,” Obama announced on X (formerly Twitter). “At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”
This endorsement, coming after President Joe Biden’s backing earlier in the week, adds significant momentum to Harris’ campaign, which has been rapidly gaining support since her late entry into the race.
Harris, who made history as the first woman vice president, launched her campaign following growing concerns over Biden’s capabilities and persistently low polling numbers. Her fiery address to teachers on Thursday saw her take aim at Trump and his “extremist” Republicans, further energizing her base.
Despite the surge in Harris’ campaign, Trump has refused to schedule a debate with her, stating it would be “inappropriate” until she is officially named the Democratic nominee. Harris responded to Trump’s hesitation with a challenge, ready to debate “any time, any place.”
The American Federation of Teachers, the first union to endorse Harris, celebrated her speech in Houston, where she condemned the “full-on attack” by Trump’s Republicans on various freedoms, including voting rights and gun safety.
Trump, facing a strong opponent in Harris, has escalated his rhetoric, falsely accusing her of extreme positions on social issues. However, Harris remains focused on her campaign, ready to take on Trump in the November election.
